Touching down at Moi International Airport puts you in Kenya's second largest city, the tropical port town of Mombasa. With its rich history as an Indian Ocean trading hub, influences from the Middle East, Portugal, Britain and India have all left their mark. Hiring a motorcycle, scooter or quad bike is the perfect way to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant coastal city.
Wander through the twisting alleys of Old Town to see mosques and markets little changed since the 16th century, when the Portuguese built Fort Jesus to consolidate their control over the harbour. Hop on your rental and head north along palm-fringed Digo Road to Nyali Beach, whose golden sands and inviting waters offer a tranquil respite. Further up the coast, the 600-year-old Jumba ruins haveArabic archways and carved coral walls.
South of the city, stroll the mangrove boardwalks of Mtwapa Creek, where dhows still load goods bound for Arabia, before cooling off at the waterslides and pools at Wild Waters adventure park. Venture further with an easy day trip to the ruins of Gede, Kenya's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the remains of coral palaces and mosques hidden among kaya forests sacred to the Mijikenda people. Or visit the Haller Park wildlife sanctuary, where hippos and giraffes roam lands once ravaged by limestone quarrying.
Wherever your rented motorcycle takes you, Mombasa's rich cultural blend and natural beauty beg to be explored. So why not pick up some keys and see where the road leads? The open road and tropical adventure await.
